Dale Schoepke

Dale Schoepke lived life to the fullest, always enjoying talking to people and telling or hearing the latest joke or funny story.  Dale passed from this life to the next in heaven on September 6, 2021, where Delores has been awaiting their reunion.

Dale Eugene Schoepke was born on March 14, 1932 to Werner and Leonora (Parduhn) Schoepke and grew up in Eland, WI, where his father owned the local feed store.  He graduated from Wittenberg High School in 1950.  After graduation, he worked in Milwaukee until January 1952, when he was called home after his father’s death to manage the feed store.  He served in the 11th Airborne Division of the US Army at Fort Campbell, Kentucky from 1952 to 1954.  On June 12, 1955, he married Delores Schulz, his dear friend from Walther League and high school, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wittenberg.  They moved to Wausau, where he attended Wausau Technical Institute on the GI bill and graduated with an associate degree in accounting in 1957.

Dale spent the majority of his working life, 36 years, at Wausau Paper Mills where he had various roles ranging from inventory controller to working in the shipping department.  In addition to his work, Dale was very active in the American Legion, serving as commander of Montgomery-Plant Post 10 in 1961 and as a member of the Operations Committee for many years.

The center of Dale’s life revolved around his faith community at Trinity Lutheran Church on Stewart Avenue, Wausau.  He served as Sunday School superintendent for many years, and was also chairman of the Trinity School Board in the 1960’s.  As an usher, he was there week in and week out to greet everyone and listen to the choir where his wife sang.

Dale rarely if ever missed events when his children were in a concert or sporting event.  He and Delores took special joy in heading out on Saturday mornings to attend son Dave’s high school cross country meets.  He also continued to be a lifelong Brewers, Packers and Bucks supporter and cheered for the Brewers to make it to the World Series this year.

In retirement, Dale got joy from taking up golf and playing in the “Mulligans” league with other friends from Trinity.  He and Delores did many bus trips throughout the U.S. and travelled with the Wausau Lyric Choir on a European tour.

Dale is survived by his daughter Dawn (David) Hill of Golden Valley, MN, son David Schoepke of Hewitt, WI, and grandson Timothy Hill of Chicago, IL, and many nieces and nephews.  In addition to his wife Delores, Dale was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kermit and grandson Andrew Schoepke.

Special thanks to the staff and residents at Applegate Terrace who made Dale’s life the last four years such a joy (including the afternoons spent winning at Bingo), and to the staff of Aspirus Hospice who were so compassionate with Dale in his last days.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 13, 2021 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 Stewart Ave., Wausau. Reverend Timothy Smith will officiate. For those who are unable to attend, the service will be available via live stream at www.helke.com.  Visitation will be from 9:00 am until the time of service at the church. Burial and military honors performed by the Wausau American Legion will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at Restlawn Memorial Park.  All are welcome to attend.

While masks are not required, their use is strongly encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church or donor’s choice.